Delivery Van Truck Accident
A 2024 report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety highlights an “explosion” in delivery van truck accidents since a surge in e-commerce activity during the pandemic. With so many people ordering all kinds of items online, delivery vans are now a common sight on Louisiana roads. Although these light vans might be smaller than semi-trucks, they are still much bigger than sedans – and they are capable of causing considerable damage. A delivery van truck accident can change the lives of motorists – leading to permanent injuries, ongoing medical expenses, and psychological burdens. Victims of these accidents may want to discuss their legal options with an experienced trucking accident lawyer in Louisiana. These legal professionals may be able to help assess the most appropriate pathway toward compensation. Dial or text (504) 470-3511 to continue this discussion with the Louisiana Law Lady.
Why Are Delivery Vans in Louisiana So Dangerous?
Although light vans are by definition much lighter than semi-trucks, they still benefit from many of the same safety features used in the trucking industry. In addition, many civilian sedans and SUVs have superior safety technology compared to delivery vans. One example is the lack of automatic emergency braking in many of these vans. Lane departure prevention sensors could also reduce delivery van truck accidents. The problem is that many delivery van models are sold by manufacturers with optional safety upgrades. The average delivery company will not spend additional sums on these optional features, as prioritizing safety is not a profitable endeavor. Civilian car owners may demand innovative safety features to keep their families safe, but delivery companies mostly care about transporting products as quickly as possible.
This prioritization of profit margins can lead to many other hazards. A delivery van driver is often under immense pressure to complete deliveries within a certain time limit. Some companies are infamous for near-impossible timelines, pushing drivers to the limit. These companies may use apps with alarms that ring out when delivery drivers fall behind their schedules. Drivers have no time for breaks, and they may feel forced to drive in a highly reckless manner. If they fall behind, they may begin to violate traffic regulations in order to catch up. This might involve running red lights, speeding, failing to yield, and much more.
Delivery Vans May Not Require a Commercial Driver’s License
According to the Louisiana Commercial Driver’s License Manual, drivers of light vans may be subject to fewer regulations. Specifically, the manual states that if a vehicle is under 10,000 pounds in gross vehicle weight rating, then it does not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate. This has significant safety implications, as drivers must undergo more stringent testing and eligibility requirements before obtaining their CDLs. In addition, those with CDLs are subject to more restrictions – including a maximum blood-alcohol content (BAC) of just 0.04 (compared to 0.08 for other drivers). In other words, a delivery company could hire an applicant with a normal driver’s license – even if they have no experience driving a commercial vehicle. This driver may also have a poor record with past DUIs and other offenses.
What Should I Do After a Delivery Van Truck Accident?
Seek treatment immediately after a delivery van truck accident. If first responders arrive at the crash scene, accept treatment from them. Ambulance transport to a nearby hospital may be necessary. Follow-up with doctors and specialists if recommended. Medical treatment is important because it creates new medical records that highlight injuries. With these records, victims can establish that they suffered real damages as a result of the delivery van truck accident.
Next, victims may want to discuss their legal options alongside a trucking accident lawyer like Louisiana Law Lady. This initial consultation could help a victim determine whether pursuing compensation is possible. An injury claim can help cover medical bills, lost earnings, and a range of non-economic damages. However, victims need to prove “negligence” in order to recover compensation after a delivery van truck accident in Louisiana. In other words, victims must establish that someone else caused their injuries. They can achieve this goal with evidence like surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, cellphone data, vehicle maintenance records, and more.
Who Should I Sue After a Delivery Van Truck Accident?
When determining who to hold accountable for the delivery van truck accident, it is important to determine the specifics of the crash. Was the crash caused by the van driver? Did they run a red light or fail to yield? If this is the case, suing the driver directly might seem like the obvious choice. On the other hand, the accident may have been caused by a negligent delivery company. Perhaps they failed to properly maintain the brakes of the van or engaged in negligent hiring practices. Finally, a delivery van truck accident could be caused by a third party, such as a drunk driver. In this case, it may not be possible to sue the delivery company or the van driver.
Even if fault lies solely with the van driver, it still makes sense to file a claim against the delivery company. This is because a delivery company almost always has a comprehensive insurance policy. Note that Louisiana has distinct “commercial auto insurance” requirements for delivery van companies. These companies could have higher liability coverage limits compared to the average driver, leading to potentially higher settlements for victims of delivery van truck accidents – particularly when large corporations are involved. Note that when a victim receives a financial settlement from a delivery company, they do not need to go to court if they choose to accept it.
Discuss Your Delivery Van Truck Accident With Louisiana Law Lady
A delivery van truck accident can be life-altering – but victims still have the right to avoid unnecessary financial pressures. Delivery companies should shoulder accountability for these crashes, especially after prioritizing profits instead of public safety. That being said, each crash is different – and different kinds of negligence may lead to different delivery van truck accidents. Although an online article may provide broad guidance on this topic, victims may need more targeted legal assistance to prove the specific type of negligence that caused their crash. To discuss the circumstances of the crash, consider speaking with an experienced trucking accident lawyer in Louisiana. Dial or text (504) 470-3511 – and discuss this subject in more detail with Louisiana Law Lady.